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by msrenee 1514 days ago
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https:/...

Sketchy link to a PDF by UC Davis. I was looking for a reference on the average lifespan of an outdoor cat, which I always here quoted around 2.5 years. It's a little write-up on why it's maybe not so nice to let your cat outside.

Maybe it's different in the UK, but I've seen a number of drivers speed up and swerve in neighborhood streets to run cats over. It's fucked up, but it's a thing. I remember having classmates in high school that would brag about it.

Add every other danger, jumping into a backyard with the wrong dog, parasites, coyotes, and it's not exactly an idyllic stroll even for indoor/outdoor cats.

I'm sure dogs aren't allowed to wander the neighborhood in the UK. I would have no problem if they confined their cat to the yard or let her out while supervising.

Our two cats are quite fulfilled and pleased with their situation despite only going outside on leash.

2 comments

> average lifespan of an outdoor cat, which I always here quoted around 2.5 years.

All bar one of the cats that I and my family have had were outdoor cats who lived much longer than that. The exception was run over crossing a dual carriageway to her favourite hunting ground. The latest one of mine lived to nearly seventeen and went out in the woods pretty much everyday. He slept at home in the house though.

I always heard it was 7 years average life expectancy for an indoor/outdoor cat, and 14 years for an indoor-only cat.

Does anyone have better researched numbers?